Exclusive

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ɪkˈsklu.sɪv/

Definitions

1. Limited to a select group and not available or accessible to others
2. Restricting access to a specific group while being unique or distinct in nature, leading to benefits or privileges available solely for a select few
3. Restricted solely to a certain group or person, barring access or participation by others ; not shared among or involving others, kept solely for one party ; characterized by being one of a kind and distinguished by high quality or standards

Etymology: The idea of shutting something out is built into this word from its Latin ancestor. "Excludere" combined "ex-", meaning "out", with a form of "claudere", "to close or shut", so to exclude someone was literally to shut them out of a place. The adjective grew from the participle of that verb, which is why its core sense still depends on a boundary: something exclusive is one thing that keeps others away. That boundary works in two directions, and English uses both. A club that is exclusive restricts entry, while a product that is exclusive is available only through one seller. The same Latin root also gave English "exclude" and "exclusion," so the family of words all turns on the act of closing a door.

Synonyms: selective, limited, restricted, sole, particular

Antonyms: inclusive, general, common, universal, open